Having spent most of my adulthood in this city, I’ve had the opportunity to really fall in love with the place — and photograph much of its coolness in the process. And so, without further ado, here are the top 10 reasons you should add the Bayou City to your future travel plans.

It's hard to think of Houston without thinking of cowboys, and during early spring, Houston comes alive with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo -- a bonanza week of roping events, livestock competitions, and some of the best music concerts you'll ever see.

... while there is no denying that Houston summers are oppressive, there is really nothing more beautiful than a Texas spring day. And April is when city and surrounding areas are covered in bluebonnets, the State flower. Also making an appearance is that showy southern favourite, the azalea, and every spring you can follow the Azalea Trail, a home and garden tour of some of the most beautiful gardens you'll ever see.

houston parks 5 of 10

If you do visit Houston in spring, be sure to plan some time in some of our amazing green parks. Memorial Park is on of the largest urban parks in the United States, with a golf course and facilities for tennis, softball, swimming, track and even trail biking. Hermann Park (shown above) has beautiful fountains, an amazing Japanese garden, and of course, the 55-acre Houston Zoo. And those parks are just the beginning.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Houston's best kept secrets are its restaurants -- even the New York Times says so. Name your favourite cuisine, and I guarantee you that there's a restaurant here that will serve you the best meal of your life, with money to spare.

Perhaps, when you travel, you prefer to see the weirder side of a city. Well, honey, if weird is what you want, look no further than Houston's annual Art Car Parade, where car owners get downright creative with their cars.

Not visiting Houston during Art Car Parade time? Never fear, my friend: there's an Art Car Museum, where you can visit some of the more impressive cars up-close-and-personal.

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